2024 NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves grab seasoned prospect, Wizards reach for center
By Austin McGee
22. Phoenix Suns - Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas
The Phoenix Suns have no choice but to choose a win-now player. Phoenix will essentially run it back after being swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Last year's starting five of Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic are locked in for years to come.
Kansas' Kevin McCullar Jr. is already 23 years old and profiles well in just about any system. Thus making him a realistic option for the Suns. Midseason addition, Royce O'Neale who played 26.0 minutes per game in the postseason, is set to be a free-agent, and McCullar Jr. makes for a worthy replacement.
The Jayhawks forward took a massive step this past season after four average seasons split between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Jayhawks. In three seasons in Lubbock, McCullar Jr. averaged just 8.7 points and shot below 30.0 percent from beyond the arc.
In McCullar Jr.'s fifth season, he averaged 18.3 points and canned 33.3 percent of his looks from downtown. The Kansas forward has always been a reliable rebounder and plus-playmaker, but his scoring development has pushed him up draft boards.
Think of a less-efficient Josh Hart as a reasonable comparison. Both players value rebounding and can score when called upon, but neither player is the first, second, or even third option. McCullar Jr.'s shooting will be heavily analyzed as the combine ensues. If the 23-year-old shoots it well, he could find himself chosen before 22.